A yacht carrying 22 individuals, including tourists from Ireland and other nations, sank in adverse weather conditions off Sicily’s coastline. Fortunately, no Irish travellers are thought to be amongst the missing seven individuals. A total of 15 individuals, including a one-year-old boy, have been saved by Coastguards and firefighters from the capsized 49-metre sailing vessel.
Reports from Italy’s ANSA news outlet suggest the search continues for four Britons, a Canadian, and a pair of Americans who are still missing. The yacht capsized early Monday morning near Palermo in the midst of a violent storm that whipped up a tornado and stormy sea conditions.
Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the hull of the vessel, now sunk to a depth of around 49 metres. The rescued baby boy was admitted to hospital alongside his mother, who had minor injuries, while the other 14 survivors are all in stable health.
Il Giornale di Sicilia, a local newspaper, reported that the boat, flying a British flag, had a majority of British passengers onboard but also included citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and those of British-French nationality. Named Bajesian, the yacht had been docked at Porticello port before embarking on its journey on Sunday evening, as stated by ANSA.